Employment Counsellor - Return to Work Project

The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) is seeking an Employment Counsellor to join our Return to Work Program. You’ll provide individualized vocational and employment support to individuals living with concussion or acquired brain injury, including employment planning, job readiness groups, and collaboration with employers to create sustainable return-to-work opportunities.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys combining practical employment support with compassionate, person-centred coaching, and who values working within an interdisciplinary team.

If you have experience supporting people with disabilities in employment or vocational rehabilitation and are motivated by making a real difference, we encourage you to apply. For more information see the job description below.

Job Description

Employment Counsellor - Return to Work Project

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer and/or Designate

Professional Designation: Certified Career Development Professional (CCDP) or Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Professional (CVRP) persons with these designations or equivalent will be given preference.

Term: One Year Contract (Full-Time) possibility of renewal pending funding

Job Purpose and Overview

Employers and individuals living with concussions and brain injuries often face barriers and challenges in the return to work process. The Return to Work program helps employers and employees navigate these challenges by offering tailored education programs as well as group and individualized support from an interdisciplinary team.

The Employment Counsellor will be a key member of the interdisciplinary team, working alongside an Occupational Therapist, a Registered Social Worker and an Outreach and Program Coordinator. This role focuses on providing career guidance, employment preparation, and individualized strategies to support individuals in returning to work after a brain injury, including concussion.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program Development and Implementation

• Collaborate with the project team to research, develop, and implement an accessible, evidence-informed program to support individuals who are rejoining Ontario’s workforce after a brain injury. The program will include a Job Readiness Skills Group, individual employment services, and subsidized work placements.

2. Individual Employment Services

• Conduct virtual assessments to evaluate participants' employment history, skill sets, vocational interests, and challenges related to brain injury.
• Collaborate with participants to create individualized plans that reflect their goals and strengths while accounting for cognitive, emotional, and physical limitations.
• Provide support and coaching for job exploration, resume building, interview preparation, and workplace readiness.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for education, upskilling, or alternative career pathways suitable for the individual's current capabilities and goals.
• Support participants in accessing government or community-based employment and retraining programs.
• Offer ongoing guidance, motivation, and problem-solving support throughout the employment journey.

3. Job Readiness Skills Group Facilitation

• Facilitate 8-week, closed group sessions to develop job readiness skills, including resume writing, interview techniques, workplace communication, time management, and self-advocacy.
• Adapt program content and delivery to accommodate cognitive, physical, or emotional challenges related to brain injury.
• Monitor participant progress in group sessions and provide follow-up as needed.

4. Work Experience Coordination

• Proactively research, contact, and engage employers by phone and email to secure subsidized work placement opportunities.
• Identify and coordinate subsidized work placements aligned with clients’ skills and career interests.
• Collaborate with the Occupational Therapist to identify and implement appropriate workplace accommodations for participants preparing to re-enter the workforce.
• Liaise with employers to ensure a supportive work environment and address accessibility or accommodation needs.
• Support clients during placements, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and achieve their placement goals.

5. Program Outreach and Awareness

• Hosts educational webinars to increase awareness about the program and recruit participants who are rejoining the workforce after a brain injury.
• Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive outreach strategy in collaboration with the Project Team to promote the program across Ontario.
• Establish relationships with Ontario-based employers to facilitate work experience opportunities for clients.

6. Documentation and Evaluation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including progress notes, employment plans, and outcomes.
• Track program metrics and contribute to evaluation and reporting requirements.
• Provide feedback and recommendations for program improvement based on client experiences.

7. Other

• Assume such other duties as assigned by the CEO and/or designate.

Qualifications

• Relevant post-secondary degree or diploma in vocational rehabilitation, counselling, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, or related field
• Certification as a Certified Career Development Professional (CCDP) or Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Professional (CVRP) or equivalent (preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities in employment or rehabilitation settings
• Experience working with individuals who are living with brain injuries is an asset.
• Understanding of the impact of brain injury on employment, cognition, and functional capacity.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and barriers to employment for individuals living with brain injuries, including concussions.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated competence in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information.
• Experience in employment planning, workplace accommodation, and vocational coaching.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust and motivate clients.
• Familiarity with Ontario employment programs, funding opportunities, and community resources.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Organized, self-motivated, and compassionate with a strong commitment to empowering others.
• Commitment to anti-racism, accessibility, and culturally responsive practice.

Other

• Work arrangements (in-person, hybrid, or remote) will be determined by the employer based on operational needs and the employee’s location. Applicants who reside within approximately one hour of the office are expected to work primarily in person.
• Travel within Ontario may occasionally be required for outreach or collaboration
• Flexible work hours may be needed to accommodate participant schedules

This position is conditional upon confirmed funding and the successful execution of a funding agreement. Funding approval has been received, and final agreement terms are currently being finalized.

OBIA is an equal-opportunity employer. In accordance with the AODA (Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), OBIA will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process. If you require disability-related accommodations, please inform us. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their résumé and cover letter to Ruth Wilcock, CEO at: employment@obia.on.ca or fax 905-641-0323

Résumés must be received no later than Tuesday, February 17th, 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest in our organization; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.